Web Watch-Oct07

HOT

Facebook

Another sycophantic Facebook drool? Well, not exactly. I don't think Facebook is ‘the new internet'. I do, however, think that Facebook is a great community site.

It is not as starched-collar as LinkedIn, but not as teenage-messy as MySpace. It is a clean, refreshing and freeing experience with simple connectivity tools that can be either public or in private dialog. Facebook was recently opened up to third party applications programme developers and there is a wealth of tools being added daily.

But the real reason I'm into Facebook is much more personal.. Since signing up I have had a surprising number of people connecting up, including friends I had lost touch with for over 10 years. We are now chatting, sharing pictures and of course throwing sheep at each other.

If you are still not convinced, then think about this: a former Miss Singapore just connected with me. Sure you don't want to dabble?

Ranking: 4/5

NOT

Wireless@SG Signup Process

Here's a great idea.

Take one of the world's most advanced WIFI initiatives, the free Wireless@SG service. Then make it ridiculously difficult to sign up and use.

When I tried the service the homepage didn't actually tell me what Wireless@SG is. Luckily I had read about it elsewhere, so I clicked the Sign Up link. I then clicked through two SingTel pages before being brought back to the homepage. After fruitlessly going around this loop, I called the helpline, who told me Wireless@SG was only for SingTel users! When I protested they tried to sign up on my behalf - and failed.

I can't even remember how I did manage to sign up eventually, but it was a long painful process that involved no instructions, ‘IT-speak' error messages, and SMS security alerts. I was then told I couldn't login for a few hours - completely defeating the point of signing up!

Ranking: 1/5 

Keith Timimi

Chief Executive Officer

Qais Consulting